Thursday, July 21, 2011

Back to Basics

Next, I turned to Proverbs 31 and Titus 2 to remind myself of the basics of what I should be filling my time with. I made this list:

* noble character
* valuable
* brings good
* works with eager hands
* makes good decisions
* provides food
* is not lazy
* smart with her money
* hard worker
* takes care of herself physically
* realizes her work is worthwhile
* creative homemaker
* reaches out
* well prepared
* keeps herself beautiful
* contributes to her family
* not fearful
* speaks wise words and faithful instruction
* aware of the state of her home; not idle
* love my husband and children
* self-controlled
* pure
* busy at home
* kind
* subject to my own husband, not anyone else over him

As I ponder over that list what are some things I need to be doing or not doing to live more like this?

* make God's Word more of a priority
* pray over these traits often and for God's help, wisdom and strength to live them out
* bring the focus of my mind to these things:
- God and His Word
- family; diligence in training
- home
* reduce what we have so there is less to put away, clean up, take care of
* streamline:
- groceries
- errands
- chore organization
- home organization
* limiting our time out of the home
* limiting time on the computer, phone, etc...
* being there; in the moment - engaged

Have you read through Proverbs 31 or Titus 2 recently? If you read through it today - please share what jumps out at you as the basics of noble womanhood.

11 comments:

Melody said...

The Proverbs 31 passage is actually what I've been working on memorizing the past few weeks. The thing that struck me the most this past week is verse 20. "She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy."

Not only does she stretch out her hand to the poor, but she reaches toward them - to me the second part of the verse just really stressed the effort she puts into helping the needy.

We may not have a lot, but there is always someone worse off than we are. It really hit me how there are things that I can still do to help others, and how my attitude should be one of really reaching out to do it.

Anonymous said...

Monica,
Your words are so needed in this day. Thank you for the gentle reminder. I strive to be the Proverbs 31 woman, but I fail so often. I find I succeed when I strive to follow in Jesus footsteps. I want to also thank you for the time you take to post such lovely photos. As a blogger, I know the time it takes to do that. Your blog is such an encouragement to me.
From a sister in Christ in PA

Anonymous said...

You are an inspired woman unafraid to listen to and follow through with the promptings from God. I have been praying for answers and i am a firm believer that our prayers are answered by others. Thank you for your list. I'm going to copy it and use it as a self evaluation list. I have been trying to figure out my own "to do" list but couldn't find the words...but you have. Thank you.

South Girl in the West

ktquilts said...

Hanks so much for the reminder!!!

Blessings!

Anonymous said...

This is such a wonderful list to ponder. I feel like I have come so far, and yet have so far to go. Thank you for the encouragement!

Kelly said...

I enjoyed using your post as a guide to my quiet time this morning. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and God's revelations! Something that jumped out to me from Proverbs 31, is that she didn't try to do it all. She had some staff. At times I get overwhelmed with the comparison of her to me, but God spoke to me and showed that she didn't do it ALL. While I do not have the luxury to have a staff, there are many modern convieniences I use and enjoy: farmer's market for fresh produce, tailors to mend clothes, laundry machine & dish washer, etc. I cling to the descriptions of her being WISE... she makes good choices for what is best for her and her family, she is GENEROUS, lives a life of FAITH without fear, and LAUGHS. As I try to live by her example, I list my priorities so that all is well with my soul and abilities as I love and serve myself and others.

Ami said...

Well...I've been thinking about this often lately. I've just finished reading The Way Home by Mary Pride, and that book takes a strong look at our culture vs. so very many scripture passages on womanhood.

I think what I've come away with just lately is how liberating and beautiful it is to live in this role God created me for. I am so glad and so thankful to be who I am, and it is such joy to do it all for His glory!

Studying so many spriptures on Biblical womanhood seems to form this deep contentment, commitment, and striving within me that makes me want to do my best from the inside out.

When it all comes down to it, God's drawing me to His word. And when I really love His whole Word, I can know such unexplainable joy in my daily life and be amazed at how this little life at home really matters in God's grand reality!

Ami

Lee said...

Thanks for the reminder. This is something I really need to be doing. Great idea and I'm starting on this one tonight.

Amy said...

I've loved these posts! I see His plan better as you share how you're working it out in your own life. Thank you!

Anissa said...

So looking forward to being there in just 2 weeks!!!

Karen said...

At Sunday school last week, I served on a discussion panel with some other women, talking about Proverbs 31. One thing that we all pointed out is what Kelly already stated, this woman had some staff and did not do it all. It makes me feel so much better!

As a single woman, the things I took away is the idea of my church family as my "household." I don't have my own family to care for, so I can instead focus my energies on serving in my church.

We talked about how several verses deal with sewing and making cloths. For today's society, we took from those verses the idea of being industrious (since many of us to not sew). I think that's a big point inthe passage, we should not be lazy, but use our time wisely.

Another thought that stood out to me is the verse "She does him good and not evil." It reminds me that (if I get married)it's important to help maintain my husband's reputation by not publicly shaming him or doing anything to bring him shame. In today's world, that is completely against the grain.

Great post, Monica!